Advocating International Recognition of Moroccan Sovereignty over Western Sahara

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Chapter I. Introduction
• Chapter II. Literature Review
• Chapter III. Methodology
• Chapter IV. Findings & Analysis

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This master's thesis aims to advocate for international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, challenging existing misconceptions surrounding this protracted conflict. It employs a constructivist approach to address overlooked themes, providing insights into the political marginalization of the Sahrawi people and the significance of historical ties between the Sahrawi people and Morocco. The thesis also examines humanitarian conditions in Polisario Front camps, questions of accountability, and the feasibility of the Moroccan autonomy plan, highlighting potential risks associated with a failed Polisario state.

• The political and academic marginalization of the Sahrawi people.
• Historical and present ties between the Sahrawi people and Morocco.
• Humanitarian conditions in Polisario Front camps and questions of accountability.
• Feasibility of the Moroccan autonomy plan.
• Potential risks of a failed Polisario state.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

Chapter I. Introduction: This chapter introduces the ongoing conflict in Western Sahara, questioning the international community's inaction in finding a permanent solution. It highlights the disparity in recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), which claims to represent the Sahrawi people, with only 43 states granting it recognition. The chapter details the geographical location of Western Sahara, emphasizing Morocco's control over 80% of the territory and the Polisario Front's control over the remaining 20%. The chapter establishes the UN's classification of Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory administered by Morocco, drawing parallels with Gibraltar and the US Virgin Islands. It provides historical context, tracing the colonial division of Morocco and Spain's occupation of Western Sahara until 1976, and concluding with the Madrid Accords that divided Western Sahara between Morocco and Mauritania following Spain's withdrawal. The chapter lays the groundwork for the subsequent analysis by framing the central problem and providing essential background information.

Chapter II. Literature Review: This chapter delves into existing literature on the Western Sahara conflict, analyzing both the arguments for and against Moroccan sovereignty. It systematically examines various perspectives and scholarly contributions, identifying key debates, common misconceptions, and areas where further research is needed. The review forms a crucial foundation for the thesis, situating the current study within the existing body of knowledge and identifying gaps that this research aims to address. The chapter would analyze the strengths and weaknesses of previous research, potentially categorizing it based on methodology or theoretical frameworks. It would critically evaluate different approaches to understanding the conflict, establishing a clear path for the author's own approach and argumentation in the subsequent chapters.

Chapter III. Methodology: This chapter outlines the research methodology employed in the thesis. It would explain the rationale for choosing a constructivist approach, detailing how this framework guides the analysis. The chapter would also describe the data collection and analysis methods used, justify the selection of specific data sources, and explicitly address potential limitations or biases inherent in the chosen approach. Detailed descriptions of variable operationalization and their correlations would be outlined, explaining how the chosen methodology allows for a comprehensive and rigorous analysis of the topic, avoiding any ambiguity and ensuring transparency in the research process.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Western Sahara, Moroccan sovereignty, Sahrawi people, Polisario Front, self-determination, constructivism, international recognition, humanitarian conditions, autonomy plan, failed state, Madrid Accords, decolonization.

Frequently Asked Questions: Master's Thesis on Moroccan Sovereignty over Western Sahara

What is the main topic of this master's thesis?

The thesis advocates for international recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara, challenging common misconceptions about the conflict. It uses a constructivist approach to analyze the political marginalization of the Sahrawi people, historical ties between the Sahrawi and Morocco, humanitarian conditions in Polisario Front camps, the feasibility of the Moroccan autonomy plan, and the potential risks of a failed Polisario state.

What are the key themes explored in the thesis?

The key themes include the political and academic marginalization of the Sahrawi people, historical and present ties between the Sahrawi and Morocco, humanitarian conditions and accountability in Polisario Front camps, the feasibility of the Moroccan autonomy plan, and potential risks associated with a failed Polisario state.

What methodology is used in this thesis?

The thesis employs a constructivist approach. The methodology chapter will detail the rationale for this choice, the data collection and analysis methods, the selection of data sources, and potential limitations or biases. It will also explain how the chosen methodology allows for a comprehensive and rigorous analysis.

What is the structure of the thesis?

The thesis is structured into four chapters: Chapter I (Introduction), Chapter II (Literature Review), Chapter III (Methodology), and Chapter IV (Findings & Analysis). The introduction sets the context of the Western Sahara conflict, highlighting the disparity in recognition of the SADR and the geographical division of the territory. The literature review analyzes existing scholarship on the conflict. The methodology chapter details the research approach, and Chapter IV presents the findings and analysis.

What are the key chapters and their contents?

Chapter I: Introduction: Introduces the Western Sahara conflict, the lack of a permanent solution, the disparity in SADR recognition, the geographical division of the territory, and historical context including the Madrid Accords. Chapter II: Literature Review: Analyzes existing literature on the conflict, identifying key debates, misconceptions, and areas needing further research. Chapter III: Methodology: Outlines the constructivist approach, data collection and analysis methods, and addresses potential limitations.

What are the keywords associated with this thesis?

Western Sahara, Moroccan sovereignty, Sahrawi people, Polisario Front, self-determination, constructivism, international recognition, humanitarian conditions, autonomy plan, failed state, Madrid Accords, decolonization.

What is the overall aim of the thesis?

The thesis aims to contribute to the ongoing debate surrounding the Western Sahara conflict by providing a nuanced analysis that challenges existing narratives and offers new insights into the complex issues at play. It specifically aims to advocate for Moroccan sovereignty.